JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO@STARBULLETIN.COMYellow warning tape sealed off an area where four boys were hit by a car at the corner of Nuuanu Avenue and Kukui Street yesterday afternoon. A skid mark from the vehicle, at right, led into the garden where the four boys were standing. A witness said the car was speeding. CLICK FOR LARGE

4 boys hit by car after Nuuanu crash

Four boys were struck by a car that climbed a curb on Nuuanu Avenue yesterday after striking another vehicle.

The youngsters were taken to hospitals after the 4:19 p.m. accident at the intersection with North Kukui Street. A 16-year-old was taken to Straub Clinic and Hospital in stable condition, and the others went by ambulance to Kapiolani Medical Center for Women and Children, said Bryan Cheplic, Emergency Medical Services spokesman.

One boy, 11, was in serious condition, and the others, 10 and 8, were listed as stable, he said.

A friend of the boys said they were standing close together hunting for lizards in the shrubbery surrounding Kukui Tower. Jason Guan, 13, said the boys are residents of the apartment building.

Police said the Mercedes-Benz, driven by a man, was headed south on Nuuanu Avenue. It collided with an oncoming Toyota driven by a woman attempting a left turn into Kukui Street. The Mercedes swerved and went onto the sidewalk, stopping in a hedge just a few feet from a bus stop.

"It was speeding," said Guan, who said he witnessed the accident. "It went up the curb and hit them. They flew into the grass. I know them for a long time. It sucks to see them hurt."

Police closed makai traffic lanes for about an hour while investigating the accident. Police said traffic investigators will determine whether charges are warranted.